Gold Rush Brunch

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How does one rightly get a decent photo of a breakfast dish... when you can hardly tell what is - because the color palate is all the same wash.... you know what I mean?

But, boy!! Is this one ever delish!!!  Hand's down - it is one of my favorite breakfast casseroles...
Guess you'll have to take my word for it until you give it a try!!!   Lip-smacking amazing!!!!

:: Gold Rush Brunch ::

1 lb. ground, browned sausage (cubed ham, is also an option)

2 Tbsp. onion, minced

8 scrambled eggs, cooked

4 cups frozen, shredded hash browns (thawed*)

1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 Tbsp. parsley

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 cup flour

1 3/4 cup milk

1 cup sour cream

 1/4 tsp. salt

Layer meat, onion, eggs, hashbrown, cheese, parsley in a lightly greased 9" x 13" pan.  

Melt butter, in saucepan, and add flour; mix well.  Add milk and cook until thickened.  Turn off heat and stir in sour cream.  Pour over layered mixture.   Bake at 400* for 30-40 minutes.   

Serves 15 people.

**HINT: I will put my frozen hash browns into my skillet where I just browned the sausage - to let them thaw, there... while making the next part.  

Then, I'll just mix it all - gently - together and put in pan, adding the cheese sauce part on top!!

I'm telling you - this dish is fabulous!!  

Great for a breakfast-at-dinner idea, as well!!!

The Quotidian

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Quotidian: daily, usual, or customary;
everyday; ordinary; commonplace.
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Haven't done one of these themes in a while and so today seemed like a perfect day and way to catch you up on our lives over the past couple of days.  The Quotidian was first introduced to me through HERE.  I enjoy the granted permission to join along -whenever I can.

This little reminder to speak life needs to be "right here"... daily in my face. :)
I don't know if that is true for you - but for me?  Yes!!

The sharing of produce and flowers is always a favorite... around here.

As well... fresh cookies baked in prep for another week of Good News Camp! 

The kids are so loving their time at (day) camp!

I wish I had more photos of this... oh well.

Aubrey in a Noah's Ark skit.

While the kiddos are in camp (this will be their final week)...Jayne enjoys visiting over at Grandma's.  You can see her through the window (below) ...knocking so patiently.  However, this week Grandma is away again, this week, visiting family and friends - this time in NY.  Last week she was in VA.

We were asked to keep an eye on her porch plants and pick her flowers.  To enjoy!! :)

We miss Grandma Susie!

The weather has been interesting, lately.  Lots of storms and heavy rains.  As well, heat and high humidity.

It doesn't stop me - too much from still hanging the laundry.  Though, I will say. its a little tougher to dry when it's all humid - like this.  I know - we'll certainly be seeing more of the Queen Anne's lace - as the days get warmer, too!  Ahh... summer!

I think we've each had a teeny, tiny scoop of ice cream almost every night - last week.  I just love this photo of my youngest... stretching her little tongue into that cone as far as she can reach.

Along with the hot weather and such came a much needed haircut and style.
 It sure does feel good.

Feeling brave the other day... I stopped by a little stand out in the front of someone's house where advertised was: Honeysuckle Jelly.  $4.00 a half pint seemed a fair price...for someone else's hard work and efforts.  She also had a red beet and raspberry preserve for sale.  I felt torn.
I settled on the honeysuckle.  It reminded me of a friend of mine from VA.  How she talks of making this - from time to time.

Yumm!!  I'm glad I purchased this.   It's become a sweet addition to a hot buttered piece of toast or english muffin.  Nice little breakfast.   

Speaking of breakfast.  Stay tuned for a new-to-me, "healthy version" of baked oatmeal.  Baked Oatmeal is a familiar dish.  One I make almost every Sunday morning.  My family seemed to really enjoy the changes I made this past week. The picture is here, below.   I'll probably be making this into it's own post in the near future - just so that I can share the recipe.

***
So there you have it.
Little bit of catch-up, from the past couple of days...in photos!

Happy Monday to all!!

**Shared with Art of Home-Making Monday's

Tell me something good about your day!!

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I've only made these twice in as many weeks. And, another batch will most likely be made again, today.

To eat as my new favorite breakfast, or, simply as an afternoon snack!

For breakfast I like .... a small bowl of (Greek) Vanilla Yogurt with a crumbled up granola bar...and, adding a teeny-weeny drizzle of the sweetest honey in town!!  WOWzers!  And, this honey surely is some pure gold, I tell you...even the price reflects that. Unfortunately. :(

Anyway.

The basic recipe for these chewy granola bars can be found HERE!

Keep in mind - this recipe is open for tweaking!

Even I am constantly tweaking it; still, trying new things!!

My new favorite add-in, right now, is roasted pumpkin seeds...they're green and I LOVE adding green for color... to anything!...and, by the way, the coconut is not optional, anymore! 

It's a must (for me) 

But, going with one cup of brown sugar is!!!  Now... I prefer using only a 1/2 cup!!!  :)

Enjoy!!

***
I don't know about you - but, for today,  I'm enjoying some peace and quiet.  As I type...my two older kids are off at day camp today...and the youngest is over visiting with Grandma for a few minutes. We'll hear all about their day - later this afternoon.  Can't wait.  Today is water day!!  And, they'll be hungry for a snack!!  Nothing better than to grab a granola bar... and be back on the go!

 Right now... I'm loving that the air-conditioner's are turned off!  The windows flung wide open!!  Feeling the cooler breezes (less humidity!)... while seeing the curtains fluttering around in my peripheral vision. 

Hearing the birds singing.  The sounds of grass being mowed...across the way.

And the typical smell of the farm.  Oh yeah...

LOVING LIFE TODAY!!

And, you???

Tell me something good about your day!! 

Mugs & Muffins :: Secrets to a Happy Marriage (by Pam Phelps), Recipe and Giveaway!! {GIVEAWAY - NOW CLOSED!!}

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Welcome to this first OFFICIAL Mugs & Muffins, for the year!! 

Good Morning!!  To YOU, on this a very chilly Northeast Winter's Morning... perfect time to gather for some warm fellowship, even if it is online - this morning.  Amen?

 I'm very happy you all decided to come back and hang out here, with me, for this.  ** as some of you are aware (and I know, because of your recent responses, either by this blog and via comments or by personal email...) you know that I am hoping to try something new and that is to host a REAL LIVE Mugs & Muffins some time soon - in my home.  Those details are still prayerfully being ironed out...

And, as far as I am aware... you all are very excited and supportive.  Which really excites me!  Many of you - regretfully - are unable to attend due to distance, etc., but you sure would come if you could! And that is very bittersweet for me.  I sure do appreciate the "best wishes" that have been sent my way.  So, again... I'm very, very excited about this as a real possibility.

In the meantime... we're here today around the proverbial table and Valentine's Day has just passed us by.  That's okay.  It's cold outside but warm indoors.  We've much to be grateful for and of course, we can still talk about this topic of Love &  Marriage today and get away with it - because we can and we should.  But before we get into our topic... let's pass around this plate of Yumm!!

And, be sure to have your mug full (coffee or tea!) and ready to roll, as we get started.

The recipe for these muffins will be included at the end of this post.   And, as you read - be ready to share your own "one secret to happy marriage" as part of the GIVEAWAY - at the end!
***
Sometime ago, I was reading one of my current favorite blogs.  My blogging friend, Pam, who authors this particular blog, was sharing her and husband's secrets to a Happy Marriage - 35 years going strong.  Actually, I should clarify this with her... because, honestly I'm not sure if she has been married for 35 years or if they have just been together for that long...
UPDATE to add:  I have clarified this with Pam and she and her husband have been married for 35 years.  ((I'm impressed!))

Anyway.

When I first read this list... I felt compelled to print the list out and hang it on our "non-existent" headboard.  (ahem, the wall above our bed)  It stayed there for awhile and then it soon got moved to the bathroom wall - where it would actually be read on a more regular basis - where time would be taken to dwell on it.  lol!  All that to say, this list has served my husband and I in very real ways.  Gentle reminders!!

Special thanks goes out to Pam (and her husband) for granting me special permission to share this list here, with you all...today!

Secrets to a Happy Marriage - by Pam Phelps

1. Pray together.
2. Honor each other.
3. Never speak disrespectfully to each other.
4. Support each other in front of the children.
5. Go on dates; even after 35 years it is important to go on dates together, even if it is just a walk in the park, or a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
6. Hold hands … even in public (yes, we're "those" type of people)
7. Laugh  and LAUGH SOME MORE!!
8. Don't take yourself so seriously; Crush that spirit of offense under your feet.
9. Enjoy your children and grand-children together.
10. Look at the other persons point of view. Sometimes we can get in a rut of our own way of thinking… stop pause and turn your thoughts in a different way.
11. Stop complaining… please refrain from the moan, the complaint, the sigh, the sarcasm.  The Lord grew weary of the children of Israel behaving this way, and our fellow human beings get weary of hearing us do the same. Negative, frustrated, complaining expression of fear and woe takes a person out of the atmosphere of faith, and into the atmosphere of heaviness.
12.  Resist having a critical,  negative, correcting or controlling, spirit  
13. Speak gently
14. Speak kindly
15. Bring each other special things.. cup of coffee in the morning (my hubby does that for me), glass of cold iced tea in the afternoon (I do that for him), a late night snack, a pair of slippers, a blanket, a sweater, all these are considerate kindnesses that bless.
16. Learn to become interested in each others interests.  Its not always easy to get my thoughts geared into tractors, motorcycles or trucks.. I make myself get up and look… listen and participate.  My hubby does the same for me.
17. Look and smell nice for each other.
18. Forgive… really, let it go.
19. Don't expect each other to be the same as each other.. enjoy your differences, its okay; its natural to be very different from each other and  yet still be one of heart and mind.
20. Learn the differences between men and women and allow these differences in each other.
21. Men are men, don't resent them for it Ladies.
22. Women are women, don't resent them for it Guys.
23. Enjoy the differences that God gave you rather than allow frustration to enter in.
24. Be an encourager. 
25. Look for each other's gifts and talents and thank the Lord for them.  We create a blessing for ourselves, when we see through God's eyes the blessings of someone else.  I thank God every day for my husband, for his gifts, his strength, his goodness and kindness.  If you don't think you see these things in  your spouse, ask the Lord to show you all the good things that are there.  Pretty soon you will.  Cultivate those things with thanksgiving.
26. Get rid of pride.
27. Put on humility
28. Be strong and helpful, not weak and needy.
29. Its not about winning or being right.  Its about loving and being patient.
30. PRAY!! I know, I said that already… its a good way to start and a good way to finish; I have found the only way to navigate anything in life is to Pray.

Isn't this a great list?  I'm so glad I printed it out... all of these are wonderful and much needed reminders.  No matter where you are in your marriage relationship.

So, the two suggestions on this list that stuck out to me (and for us, as a couple) are #8 and #16.  For myself personally, I can really struggle in the area of taking myself way too seriously.  My husband will often encourage me to "lighten up"... and there are times and days when I can or do and I'll have to remind him of the same.  For number 16 - it is the same way  We can get so busy do, do, doing our "own thing" that what the other is involved in or cares about - gets set on the back burner, forgotten about (in our minds and what have you)  - in that if it matters to them (so much!) it should matter to us, at least, somewhat, if not just as much.
My husband and I can certainly grow in this area of "supporting" each other's likes and interests...a whole lot more than we already do!

In example: I'm scared of sitting down and watching a football game or poking my nose under the hood of a car - and he's scared of washing the dishes or hanging the laundry.  LOL!

I'm half kidding here (my husband is wonderful), but you know what I'm talking about.  There are ways to do this "better" - even though it will never be made perfect.

One of our secrets that I would toss in here, to add to this list, is that it is all in the little things.  Simple as this.  My husband, Scott, and I will fill each other's toothbrushes at night - whoever gets to the task first.  It is just a little thing... but it matters.  And, when we forget - we should also "fail" to remind each other that the other forgot. :)

Another might be in a certain way I pray for my man!!  I  used to be VERY faithful in this... I should do this more often or at best, get back into this more consistently.

I guess I'm sharing more than one, here.  But another I thought of and while we won't wake up this way... we will often fall asleep, at night, holding each other's hand.  It just gives us both a sense of togetherness, a unity (our affirmation and commitment) and especially if we've just had a disagreement or whatever - that words may be tense - we still love each other and we're here for one another... it's just a nonverbal way of communicating that we still love even though there are no words.  It's hard to stay mad at someone, if your holding each other's hands.

How about you??  What are your thoughts, after reading through, this list?

:: Giveaway::

Today's giveaway is very simple.  A bit of "red and white", like I've mentioned...nothing too Valentine-y... but something that is still appropriate for the topic shared, today.

 I think these two imPERFECT coffee mug cozies -lovingly handmade by me (something NEW!) - paired with a 1 lb. bag of Dunkin Donuts Dark Roast (ground) coffee and a small bag of Lindt chocolate truffles - will make anyone's heart skip a beat.  That is, if you're anything like me. :)  The two coffee mugs are not included in this giveaway.  ** And, I apologize, there is no photo of the chocolate and coffee - but, I promise - they are included!!

In order to enter today's very simple giveaway I simply ask you share your own "one secret" to add to this list or maybe share one or two on Pam's list that really resonates with you.  As well, feel free to share a small story, related to your marital relationship that would be a blessing to us all..

I'd like this time of leaving comments be done graciously and interactively.  So - for that I say the more times you comment - you'll receive as many chances at winning.  Let's engage with one another... as though we're sitting in the same room and sharing our hearts - there!

This GIVEAWAY will extend through Wednesday, the 18th of February - and end at or around 10:00 pm, EST.  Facebook comments are also welcome!!  Spread the love... ask your friends to join in, the more the merrier.

 **The winner will be announced, shortly thereafter..

{{ THIS GIVEAWAY is now CLOSED!}}

:: RECIPE:

This Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Muffin recipe is a tweak of the tried-and-true favorite recipe; one I've shared here before, on the blog, under this title: Cherry Coffee Cake

But today I'll also include my little tweaks and what I did to make them into muffins.  By the way -- these are really good while still a tad warm, because as you can tell.. as they cool - the cream cheese firms up.  My own personal observation - but I want to be honest.  You might want to keep that in mind.  Wow!! Eat them warm... DELICIOUS!!   If I may say so myself.

~Cherry Coffee Cake~

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 cup butter

1 egg

Milk

((cream cheese, cubed, into small cubes - I didn't measure out, to start.  Maybe 2-3 oz. total.))

1 (21-oz.) can of Cherry Pie Filling

Topping:

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

Glaze:

Powdered Sugar

Hot water

almond extract for flavor (opt.)

Mix together flour, sugar and baking powder.  Cut in butter.  Break egg into 1 cup measuring cup and fill with milk; beat.  Add to flour mixture.  Put in a 9x13 (greased lightly) baking pan.

Divide the batter between 24 paper-lined muffin tins.  Add one small cube of cream cheese on top of the batter, one for each muffin, before spooning pie filling on top.

Mix topping by cutting butter into flour and sugar, making crumbs.  Sprinkle crumbs over top of pie filling.** and you won't use all of the crumbs.  The leftovers can be thrown into a freezer bag, for the freezer, to use another time.

Bake at 375* for 30-35  15-20 minutes (for muffins).  Be careful these don't get too dark, you may have to rotate trays in the oven for part of the time.  They will also feel/seem under baked. Let cool and remove from pans to a cooling tray.  They'll be fine!!

Mix hot water and powdered sugar to desired consistency...and drizzle over top.

Again, these are amazing,  warm straight out of the oven!!

*** One special note or two about the Coffee Mug Cozies.  They probably should not get wet, nor go inside the microwave.  Neither of those two scenarios have been tested!  lol!  They also are "no-two-alike" and so, selected buttons and hand lettering may vary from the photos shared.  Look for these being an added "new feature" in my Etsy shop!  Down the road...

Thank you so, so, much for coming by here today!!  I really do appreciate you as my readers.  Please pray for our little family.  We have some things on the horizon - we would appreciate your prayers for, as well... our son, Caleb, has been sick since Wednesday afternoon with an intermittent headache, tummy ache and earache... that we haven't been able to stay on top of.  We may be seeing a doctor later today!!

***

Have a wonderful week, stay warm and God bless!!

Apple Breakfast Cake

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Apple Breakfast Cake
4-5  apples, pared and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
Put pared apples in 9" pan.  Top with with sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Batter:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
Beat batter until fluffy.  Spread over apples.  Top with chopped nuts (opt.)  Bake at 350* for 55 minutes.
Yield: 6-8 servings

***

Please come back on Monday morning... for our next Mugs & Muffins and Giveaway!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

***

Psst.  Tomorrow (Saturday) is my hubby's 40th birthday.  We'll be off with family for the day..
but if you wish, take a few minutes to wish him some sort of Birthday Blessing!  I know he'll appreciate it. ;)

Thinking of Friends over Homemade Granola!

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This just makes the best breakfast!

A bowl full of creamy yogurt and sprinkle of homemade granola, on top.  Having this in front of me makes me think of the friend who first gave me the recipe.  And thus, the trickle of thought down friendship and memory lane...

I should call her today and let her know I've been thinking of her.

Here is the recipe..

~~

Granola

4 cups. Oats

1 1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. Cinnamon

1/4 cup oil

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 1/2 cup raisins

(optional additions are: ground flax seed, hemp seeds, coconut, dried fruit, etc.)

Mix the brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, oil, honey and vanilla in a saucepan - warm on stove, just to get thin enough to pour and stir.

Mix all dry ingredients (EXCEPT RAISINS) and pour liquids over the top - stir until well covered. Place on greased cookie sheet, with sides.

Bake at 300* for 40 minutes.  Stir only a few times in between.  Add raisins at last 10 minutes of baking or they'll become hard and crunchy. 

***

Also thinking of a friend - a regular reader, here - who has family directly involved in the situation out in Oklahoma.  Lots of prayers sent heavenward on behalf of Connie and her family..

UPDATING to add:  Another blog friend - who's blog is so wonderful - has recounted how close to home this devastation was for her and her family.  Their neighbors...

Thinking of friends who are currently in China - their last few days there - as they've welcomed their adoptive daughter into their family.  Lord willing - that 15 hour flight home will be a breeze as they walk into welcoming arms of their friends and family awaiting for them here, at home.

I've been thinking of my friends and their housing situations... The Lord just might reveal HIS long-arm maneuvers after all...in that proverbial eleventh hour. 

and my thoughts trail on and on...

Enjoy your day, my friends.  I'm off to plant some flowers - and hang up a few more loads of laundry.

~ justifiable, most delectable ~

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Last evening I needed to run out, to the local drugstore, for a few things. Different then these two items, in the photo, but I couldn't resist a $ale they had going on - I just had to add these to the purchase.  

((I made a separate purchase...in case my hubby is reading... with my own money.))

Anyway.

 Maybe I should have resisted but I just couldn't.

I would love for you to believe that I had one of these Dark & Sea Salt Carmels for breakfast.. but that honest to goodness didn't happen.

Yet!

You do see the bag is open..

Wow!

These caramels are my absolute NEW fav!  If you haven't tried them yet - you really should.  I had one or two over Christmas time and have been thinking about them ever since.  It's been torture..

The truffles?  I have always loved these Lindor truffles (always a temptation!)... and would be "blessed" with them over and over, back in the day...by someone very special to me.  (ahem! - my hubby.)

Well recently, I came across a justifiable, most delectable looking recipe, on Pinterest/Pampered Chef, that I am JUST DYING to try.

So the truffles were a MUST buy.  They just had to be bought.

{recipe and photo source}

Because, Guess what?

Easter is coming!  And someone needs to bring a dessert, to the dinner.  Yes?

Bevy's Breakfast Quiche

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As promised, from last week...
Bevy's Breakfast Quiche!

I've been meaning to bring to you another "made-up" recipe...one that is so versatile and so delicious.
Here, you see mushrooms.  But those don't have to be in there if you don't care for them.  This recipe allows for creativity and imagination.  Which is why I love this.

I started out with a small baking pan.  Approximate size: 8"x8". Greasing it, of course.

The first time I made this dish, with fresh spinach...I forgot to take a photo.  I'll be honest.  I liked it better the first time I made.  ** Disclaimer:  I eye-ball everything and guess approximately - so the amounts given in the ingredient list may vary for you.

Take about 4 hash brown patties (semi-frozen) and lay them in the bottom of the pan.  Next add your veggies.  Either fresh  baby spinach, or a combo of such.
Spinach (fresh).
Mushrooms, sliced (fresh).
Chopped onion.
Fresh herbs..
Here is where you can add some fried, crumbled bacon pieces or other chopped meat..

Put this in the oven at 375* awhile - to give the potatoes/veggies a chance to get cooking through.  Next, while that is in the oven, begin mixing the following ingredients..mixing well.  You could use a blender or hand mixer if you would like.  I just used a hand whisk..

1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup Bisquick Mix
1 1/2 - 2 cups milk
1 cup shredder cheddar cheese or a mixture of your favorite cheeses
3-5 eggs (I used four for the 8x8 size baking dish)
pinch of salt and pepper
dash of dried parsley or use fresh as mentioned above (to taste)
1 cup of vegetables or meat (which you already have in the pan)

Pull the pan from the oven (remember it is hot!) and add this mixture on top of veggies.  Turn oven down to 350* and continue baking for 30-40 minutes or until it testes clean with a knife.

***

If you go ahead and make this...let me know what you thought and what for combination you put together.  It would be great to hear.

By the way.
I'm headed out to a Taste of Home Cooking School this evening with a couple of friends. Have you ever attended one of these?   I always look forward to the opportunity when I can head out to one of these.

As usual, I'm always up for learning something new when it comes to the kitchen; making delicious, healthy & tempting meals for my beautiful family.

Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole

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Only a mom would think of this.  ONLY a mom would serve this.  To her own family... of course.

But in our house... I will make grilled cheese...and over time I've thrown out more leftovers and, or I will have tried to save them and gross! but who wants to eat a soggy leftover grilled cheese sandwich?
I thought to myself, something has got to be done about this...

So.  I started a freezer collection - I had an idea!.  Trying to be the frugal mother I should be and am... I started to save the leftovers and throwing them into the freezer.
After awhile the bag was full.  This particular morning, I pulled the bag and let the sandwiches thaw a bit.  Tore them into pieces and tossed them into a buttered casserole dish along with ...

*2-3 eggs, whisked *
* 1 1/2 cups milk *
* salt and pepper *
 * 1/4 - 1/2 cup fried bacon or ham pieces (opt.) *
 * garlic salt *
* parsley flakes *
* more shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup or so. (opt.) *
Go ahead, feel free to add anything else you can think of to jazz it up, even more.

(You're going to have guesstimate what you'll need for how much grilled cheese bread is in there, as I just gave you approximate amounts. 
If you know me at all... you'll know that I'm a dump cook!)

This size bowl is a 1 1/2 quart size casserole.


It was a winner!

***

Have a deliciously delightful day.  And, hey! start it with a Grilled Cheese, why not?

31 days :: Our biggest Mistake

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I have some very beautiful friends who have some very beautiful homes to match.

Their form of hospitality (in my eyes!) is P.E.R.F.E.C.T.

Every.  Single.  Time.

I want to them to be "at ease" and know that I thoroughly enjoy every. single. minute. of. it.

If I let them.  I bet they could tell me some stories of when (in their eyes!) it didn't go so well.

That's okay. I'll let them keep their secrets.

In my heart and mind, I just want to keep on believing that some gals "got it right" - Amen? ... and every now and then I get to be a recipient of it.  (smile!)

No one is perfect.  Only the Lord is truly perfect.  Let's give him glory for that.

Well, today I thought I would share a couple of my own not-so-perfect moments with you.

***

We had a couple (actually they were our "new" neighbors!) visit our home for their first time.  We chose to get together for a "Breakfast"...one Saturday morning.  Love making Big, HOT breakfasts on Saturday mornings.  Actually, my hubby really appreciates it when I do.

(Here is a not-so-great photo of before they arrived.)

We were sitting all nice around the table when I realized that I had put the tablecloth on upside down.

No one noticed it but me.  I didn't say a word.

But I was mortified.

It was a hand stitched, cross-stitch pattern (I think done by my Grandmother) and you could see the underside and all it's frayed ends and tails and well, it certainly wasn't its pretty side, that's for sure.

Gracious guests.

***
One time, back in my single gal days, in my very own first apartment, I was hosting a Tupperware Party and every chair in my home was used.  All but one. I think I may have even borrowed a couple extra.
Anyway.  This chair.
 It was tucked back into the corner, up under the table...for a good reason.  I knew it was slightly broken - and certainly not a safe seat for a (how do I say this?) a not-so-small person. A child maybe, but not an adult.
But everyone had had a seat and the demonstration was, by now, well on it's way in full swing.
So, I honestly had forgotten about it.
Now.  Mind you the Tupperware consultant was so nervous. The WHOLE time.  Maybe she wasn't feeling well, I don't know.  She was sweating it up profusely.  And maybe... just maybe...

Well, I think just maybe this had to have been her first time at demonstrating or else she needed a cigarette really bad because I was getting a little worried about her.  And for "us".
My friends were looking at me - like as if to say - "where did this lady come from?" and I trying to be the gracious hostess - shushed them back with eyes and smiled as pleasantly as I could.
Forgetting all about my chair in the corner.

Before I knew what happened.  But at the same time I saw the whole thing.  Like, I couldn't even speak.  My hand was over my mouth just as she had pulled the chair out from the corner and sat down.
Hard!   
And I mean very hard, I'm afraid.
We all heard the biggest crash!  There she went.
All the way to the floor.
All four of the legs went to the sides - all around her. Even her own.

I was so embarrassed.  Not only for her and with her - but about the whole thing. I was worrying what my friends thought, for one, but in all of it I just felt so terrible.

Needless to say, I never saw or heard from her again.
I still feel badly about that one.

 ***

Here is one from my mom.  A memory of mine from while a young teenager and how it influenced me.

My mom had a time-bake oven, and used it quite regularly for Sunday dinners - especially when having company.  It would be so great!  You would walk in the front door and well, actually even before you would get to the door you could smell dinner baking in the oven.
Awesome feature, in our kitchen.  Probably the best feature of our house. :) that time-bake oven.
Well.
This particular Sunday.  Our guests got to our house about the same time as we got home.
One problem.
My mom FORGOT to turn on the oven...before we left for church that morning.
So, she meant to turn it on IMMEDIATELY upon getting home.
Problem number two.
She forgot to do that too.

((I guess too busy in getting the rest of the meal together.))

When she called the guests to the table.  And went to pull the meatloaf...
Here she realized that the oven had NEVER been turned on.
So - we all had to wait another hour...
 until the Sunday Dinner was ready.
Again, gracious guests...

Side note:  I can remember this day as vivid as they come.  You see, I got really embarrassed at my mom that day.
Because, in having a major crush on one of the boys of this family - this was a reflection on me.  You know!?!?!?!
It wasn't perfect.  This was NOT a good impression. I wanted to crawl into a hole.
Oh, it all went fine in the end.  And no!, I did not marry that boy.
But - "fear of man" really came to light in my young heart, that day.

I got to see my mom in a whole light that day, as well.
She didn't let {this} keep her from continuing to have guests in her home.

She didn't quit.
And, neither will I.

It takes practice.  It takes times of failure.  Of being real.
Of being gracious... regardless if you're the host or the guest.

So often.  Too often.
We allow mistakes or our imperfections - as least as we perceive them to be - to paralyze us.
And that right there could be our biggest mistake.
***
Click on the button below to read the previous posts in this series.  Updated daily.

Mugs & Muffins :: Giveaway! :: that Smile!

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Good Morning and welcome back to our third installment of Mugs and Muffins! 

This morning...

is exciting for me for a couple of reasons.

You see, yesterday was my birthday.  Hey! wait a minute. Wasn't the last time we did Mugs & Muffins the day after my anniversary?  Well, I'm not really trying this.  Honestly, I'm not.  I'm just going with the flow and well, this is what is next.  Thanks for celebrating with me.  Alrighty then...moving on.

Okay ladies, so pull up your chairs. Grab your favorite mug.   Is it coffee in yours?  I've been thinking about trying a Vanilla Chai Tea or something for something different... and well, that would mean me going out and getting me one, because I don't have anything like that of the sort around here.  And, why am I hankering for that?  I have no idea...
Well.  I'm not going anywhere.  So...coffee (of course!) will have to do.  Not that that's a hard thing, at all.

But I do think the vanilla chai would go fabulous with our muffins here this morning.  Well, they are not really muffins they're biscuits. ;) Today we have Upside-Down Orange Biscuits.  The recipe will follow, at the bottom of this post.  You'll want to be sure to grab it.

Let's get on with our topic of choice today.  Thanks again for stopping by and joining in.  I'm so excited you're here.

. . . . . . .

A smile is a light in the window of your face to show your heart is at home.

This topic of hospitality, as I alluded to on Thursday, is one I often come back to - over and over again - and will continue to do so.  I hope you never tire of it...because I pray I never do.  It's such an important aspect of the Christian Life.  And, as a woman (of God!), it's easier to embrace then we realize. 

So.  How am I getting the topic of hospitality out of the above quote, when it's talking about a smile and you're heart being at home?  It all goes hand in hand.

Some time ago.  Oh my goodness.  A LONG time ago, back when I was a teenager in youth group.  Our small group was headed out on a day trip to wherever (can't remember) and we stopped at a fast-food place to pick up either breakfast or lunch.  Again, an unimportant detail that I don't remember.

However, I do remember it was my turn to order.  I had stepped up to the counter to do just that and the person behind the counter (rather loudly) makes mention of my smile.  It caught me so off guard.  To them - my smile - was beautiful and it made their day and they took the time to share that with me and everyone else within earshot.  I, of course, was also naturally embarrassed by this and down deep (at the time) didn't believe it.  Not one bit. I still don't think it is anything to write home about - as in drop-dead gorgeous.  But.  I've gotten to thinking about that moment - from time to time - since.  Obviously, it left a pretty big impact on me if I still remember that moment so vividly.  What did this person really notice?  Did this person see Jesus in me, or what?  I'll never know for sure, but I can certainly hope so - because that is really Who I would want someone to take notice of.  Not me.  I also know I will never, ever see this person again, in my life, however, I think what they noticed - it was "a word" meant for me - in that moment.  From God himself.

Wear that smile! 

Wear it well.
(the truth is... I didn't even realize that I was smiling.)

You see!  A smile can make all the difference, in the world.  It is the light showing through the window (your countenance) of your soul.  You'll never know what kind of impact, impression, influence you'll leave behind...if you do.

A heart at peace gives life to the body. (Proverbs 14:30)


People can sense this, about people.

A genuine smile brings warmth.  It speaks confidence.  It's friendly and inviting.  It draws others.  It makes a difference.  It can't help but be infectious, contagious and  it will over take your life, if you let it and want it to.

Is it always easy? 

 No!  It isn't. 


And I'm the first one to admit - after all of this...I don't smile nearly as often as I should.  Particularly at home and in the daily grind in and of mothering.  Even as a wife... I struggle.  Ask my darling husband. ;(

(I'll share something here on an even more personal note, and I'm totally being honest.)

When my hubby walks in the front door after a long day at work... I know I should be the bubbling-over, most happiest thing he ever laid eyes on and too often, I am not.  I have a real hard time flipping the switch to going from working through the "bewitching hour", with the kiddo's, to the "Yeah! here comes Daddy!" moment, and embracing him with true, genuine love and affection he's longing for and that he truly deserves.  It makes him feel as though I'm upset with him, or something, when in reality it's the complete opposite. I'm relieved to see him - quite actually - but that hospitable heart posture is still a challenge to present.  The phone might ring, right then, and I'm all chipper-ish and smiley...and, what! how did that happen, on a dime?

This is truly an area where I need to practice and grow...and change. (you can pray for me...)

 

I don't know if anyone else struggles with this or not... but it is another aspect to hospitality.  Starting in our own homes. So see? and, another opportunity (for me) to practice it (Romans12:13), at that.

A good question to ask is: How does your man feel when he comes home?  Does he even want to come home, knowing what he might encounter there?  Is his wife's heart - at home?  Can he tell?

What does your face communicate?

I share all of that to say...

What is on our faces is clearly an indication of what is going on the inside.  Whether it is a smile or a frown...what is on the inside must and will come out.

Think about these two different verses found in Proverbs.  They almost say the same thing.  But see if you can make out the difference.  One is something and the other does something.  One makes you the blessing.  The other makes you the blessed.

Proverbs 15:13 - A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15: 30 - A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

Friend, if your heart is at home...at peace.  Then, for sure, your countenance will reflect that.  And so will mine. 

A smile is a light in the window of your face to show your heart is at home.

I like this practical application.

I have a dear friend, in real life, whom I greatly admire.  This woman (Susan Kemmerer) blesses me, consistently with her example.  I got her permission to share this and well... I just want to say... if you've ever met this gal - you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't met her yet.  You need to! (I feel like I should give a bit of an introduction - something she didn't give me permission to do). Or click HERE; this is her version. ;)  Susie is a writer, speaker, author, business owner - all to do with homeschooling-  as well as a mother of nine (seven sons and two daughters) and a blessed -thoroughly enjoying being a -grandmother.

Susie is ALWAYS smiling.  Even when it isn't easy. It has often made me curious... as to how or why it is she smiles so easily?  Susie has had some pretty tough moments (especially here of late) in her life, and yet... without fail... there is always this beautiful smile on her face. 

She writes in her book - Homeschool Supermom - NOT!  that this was a learned thing for her.

Read the practical advice she shares...

If the habits of reaction are proving difficult to break in your own life, think in small, definite chunks of time.  This is what I had to do when I first determine to walk in a way that was pleasing to God.  I literally said to myself, "For the next 15 minutes, I will not react in anger or say anything rude.  Even if one of the kids spills another glass of milk or gets into another squabble, I will demonstrate the peace that God has graciously promised to grow in my life.  I will smile at my kids.  Help me, God, for the next 15 minutes."

When I walked triumphantly for 15 minutes, I went for the next 15 minutes.  I practiced this, crying out to God minute-by-minute, until my bad habits were broken and new habits were in place.  Taking small steps like this, empowered by God, takes an overwhelming goal (like ridding your home of C.H.A.O.S.) and makes it achievable.  No, you may not be able to control your responses for an entire day, but by God's grace you can control them for the next 15 minutes!  Pray without ceasing (sending up those constant little pleas for help), and watch the power of God transform your life one minute at a time!

later in the book, she writes this...

(How to pursue gentleness...)

Learn to smile at your kids... a frequent, gentle smile is such a small thing, but so meaningful.  It portrays a message of joy and hope to one who receives it.  It's almost impossible to not respond with a smile to someone who smiles at you.  Don't withhold your smiles only for those times when they succeed.  You're smile shouldn't be bestowed only as a reward.  It should be freely and liberally given as a sign of your love, even when - especially when - your children are struggling.

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (Proverbs 17:22 KJV).

So?  How often does a simple smile reflect out to others of what's going on inside?  All of the time. 

Can anyone add any thoughts to this?  Tell me about a time when a smile given made a deep and lasting impression on you? Or when you may have shared a smile or two - just because someone else needed it.
All comments will be included in the giveaway, today!

. . . . . . . .

First the recipe.  Here it is, as promised. 

 Upside-Down Orange Biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

3 T. shortening

3/4 cup milk

2 T. butter, softened

1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

TOPPING:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup orange juice

3 T. butter, melted

2 tsp. grated orange peel (optional)

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Stir in milk just until moistened.  Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently 10-12 times.

Roll into a 15" x 12" rectangle.  Spread with softened butter.  Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over butter.  Roll up jelly-roll style, starting from the short side.  Cut into 12 equal slices.  Place, cut side down, in a greased 9 inch round baking pan.

Combine topping ingredients; pour over biscuits.  Bake at 450* for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool in pan for 5 minutes; invert onto a platter and serve warm.

Yield: 1 dozen.

** Recipe from Taste of Home.

((By the way.  These are so delicious! I had to bake something for my own birthday.))

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And now, for that long awaited Giveaway!!  I'm really excited about this.  Because it is something from me!!
I've chosen to giveaway one of my signature Pocket Pouches...unique to A Bevy of Old & New (formally known as Bags by Bevy).

No two bags are alike.  And.  So what you'll get will be VERY similiar to this one, here in the photo - but not exact.  The reason I'm showing you this bag - is because I'm still working on the one for the giveaway.  I've had a VERY busy (birthday) weekend.
Tucked inside, the pocket pouch, as part of the giveaway, will be a few "bottom-of-the-bag" type goodies, just like the items floating around in the bottom of yours. ;) 

So that's it!!  I hope I brought a smile to your face today! 

Please share your thoughts and comments regarding this topic.  It's "open mic" time! Tell me when a particular smile has made an impact in your life.  And your comment will be included - as I mentioned - into today's giveaway.

The giveaway ends WEDNESDAY (June 13th) at 10pm, EST.  If you comment anonymously, or don't have your own blog, please be sure to include your name and an email so I can contact you.  The winner will be announced sometime Thursday - the 14th of June.  Thanks for entering.
This Giveaway is now Closed!
***
Please note...
If you're at all interested in "sponsoring" Mugs & Muffins by donating a unique item (handmade) for a giveaway - please email me. This would be one way to get your name/item out there.
Or.  If you're at all interested in being a Guest Post writer.  I would love to hear from you!!  You don't need to have your own blog to contribute.  You're still welcome...
That's what this is... a circle of ladies, in community.  Learning and sharing with one another.  I hope to hear from you.
Thank you, so much.
~Bevy